Big Questions with Cal Fussman

Linus Eckenstam, a Barcelona-based designer specializing in humanizing web forms, joins for an insightful chat about AI's impact on society. They discuss the transformative potential of AI in various professions and the urgent need for understanding its implications. Linus emphasizes fostering genuine human connections in an increasingly digital world. The conversation also covers the evolution of meetings in the AI era, the balance between creativity and efficiency, and the ethical considerations that accompany technological advancement.

Marketer Ben Albert discusses using structure and games to connect people while dealing with gout pain. Conversation explores changing social dynamics, gamifying interactions, and the importance of meaningful connections in a digital age.

Cal talks with the co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods about the journey he took from shirtless 22-year-old hippie hitchhiking in Austin on acid to creating and running the health food empire. And what a wild trip it’s been – as evidenced in his new book: The Whole Story, Adventures in Love, Life and Capitalism. Plenty of takeaways for all of us in this conversation – especially on artificial intelligence.

Matt Beane, author of The Skill Code, explores how AI affects human skills and relationships. He discusses the reliance on technology over mentorship, threatening novice-to-expert bonds. Matt shares his journey from consulting to academia, highlighting the struggle essential for skill acquisition. He introduces 'shadow learning' and emphasizes the need for authentic connections in a digital age. The conversation also touches on balancing AI with personal experience to foster innovation and meaningful interactions.

Cal gets social media strategies from the Podcast Princess, who grew a team of unpaid interns into her own highly successful agency – YAP (Young and Profiting). Her advice gives Cal the awareness of how to turn a technological problem into an area of creativity that could ultimately be a financial gamechanger. Hala believes that life is 0 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it. Everybody who listens to this conversation will come away with ideas on getting the most out of themselves.

When Cal was young, he was educated as a journalist not to sell. He was taught to interview and write and stay on the editorial side of the wall that separated the two sides of publishing. The selling was to be done on the other side of the wall by the sales department. Cal lived by the rules and could never see himself as a salesman even as the internet appeared, the rules began to change and the wall came down. Now, after all these years, he learns from a celebrated sales consultant that sales doesn’t have to be about selling. It can be about helping the customer buy. Cal can feel comfortable doing just that – and just in time. Could it be for you, too?

The world has never moved faster than it’s about to with the emergence of AI. What does this mean for all of us? So many businesses in the past didn’t jump into the future because they wanted to protect the present – and suffered for it. Many have gone out of business. Cal speaks with the author of Leaders Leap for advice on how we all should be thinking about our place in the working world. This is no time to be “sleepwalking through the revolution.” Check it out.

Cal learns about the creation of Esco’s World Famous Apple Cobbler Pie through a story that showcases how we can all get the most out of our errors. Esco’s backstory is a treasure trove of wisdom for any entrepreneur, and an inspiration for anyone with an impactful idea. Listen up, and you’ll soon be getting the most out of your own mistakes. And perhaps having a good time at Esco’s upcoming Virtual Wine and Pie Party.  

Cal talks with a man who has worked to bring the best out of Navy Seals, neurosurgeons, Los Angeles Dodgers, U.S. Women’s Soccer Team players and Cirque du Soleil acrobats. This conversation gave Cal insights on how to get the most out of himself going forward. Listen up, and it will bring the best out of you.

Cal talks with a coach who has turned his love for basketball into guidance for all of us in our work and personal lives. After learning from, and coaching many NBA greats, Alan has concluded that sustained growth comes down to five factors: self-awareness passion, discipline, coachability and confidence. This boils down to staying curious about ourselves and our surroundings, and never getting bored with the fundamentals. Alan speaks to the world about it because we can never be reminded enough.